505 Reasons to Believe the Hype

By pcsanchez7505

Although it may sound better for Halloween, the Hollywood Forever Cemetery is one place you want to keep track of year round.

Situated on Santa Monica Boulevard in Los Angeles, the Hollywood Forever was first founded over 100 years ago. It was the first cemetery in the city and remains an iconic cultural landmark.

Now some may find it a little jarring, but while the Hollywood Forever offers a resting place for the dead, it also provides a surprisingly great place for the living to hear music.

Throughout the few years, Hollywood Forever has hosted countless concerts on their lawn space and inside the Masonic Lodge.

Concerts held on the lawn allow fans to enjoy their favorite musicians in a spacious, outdoor environment, while concerts held inside the Masonic Lodge provide music lovers an opportunity to get up close and personal with bands and artists.

Musicians such as Lana Del Ray, Modest Mouse and Tame Impala have all performed on the outside stage, while bands such as Mini Mansions, Silversun Pickups and Borns have rocked the small basement inside the Masonic Lodge.

Mini Mansions 10/28/15 at the Masonic Lodge

I’ve yet to catch a show on the lawn space, but friends that have said it’s an exhilarating experience. However, I was fortunate enough to see Mini Mansions at the Masonic Lodge in an extra spooky performance around Halloween time last year.

The small basement inside the Masonic Lodge, a beautifully designed building, is just big enough for a couple hundred people to fit, and the stage sits right in front of you not too far off the ground.

Mini Mansions, a psychedelic indie band with a desert rock twist, created stunning visuals for their show and invited Arctic Monkeys’ front man, Alex Turner, on stage. The band’s performance was full of surprises and proved anything can happen at a Hollywood Forever show.

Although I usually attend concerts alone, the Hollywood Forever is a great venue to go with friends because everything from walking through the cemetery to waiting for the show to start is an experience in itself.

Before concerts at the Masonic Lodge, patrons wait upstairs in a room that overlooks Santa Monica Boulevard, and there’s something transcendental about witnessing Hollywood history collide with modern L.A. music. Enjoying the ambiance with friends makes it even better.

The next concert at Hollywood Forever will be Cate Le Bon at the Masonic Lodge on Wednesday, March 30. Le Bon, an energetic French singer is reminiscent of Blondie’s Debbie Harry – she even does a great rendition of Blondie’s “Call Me.”

By chance, I’ve seen Le Bon perform before when she opened up for Franz Ferdinand a few years back, and I can wholeheartedly say she is fun to watch on stage. Le Bon is a quirky and charismatic singer who moves her body with ease in the most sporadic and unexpectedly graceful way.

Tickets for Le Bon are on sale for $20. You can buy tickets and find more information about upcoming concerts here.

I’d like to add that movie screenings and other cultural events also take place at Hollywood Forever, and they are definitely worth checking out as well.

Source:: The Hollywood Forever Cemetery: An unexpected place for music

By pcsanchez7505

Not since Charlie Brown have the words “good grief” been so cool.

Honest, edgy and always catchy, Lucius, the indie pop band from New York, let loose a whirlwind of emotions in their new album, “Good Grief,” released March 11.

Without lack of candor, “Good Grief” settles into your soul like rain falling from the sky, and when it rains, it pours.

There’s no avoiding the storm or that little tingle down your spine as you listen to the powerful vocals of Jess Wolf and Holly Laessig. Matched with lyrics that leave you wanting more, the album takes a little piece of your heart, yet leaves you feeling profoundly full.

“Good Grief” opens up slowly, building momentum in “Madness.” The song creates a clear and clever dialogue, delving deep into our ever shifting psyche.

“I had a dream where you were standing there with a gun up to my head/ You were asking how it felt.”

Bam … the gun goes off with a slew of words and instrumentals. Lucius goes for the kill, and cocks the hammer yet again to build tension. It’s still building, but we’ve been hit, and hit good.

After the slow and bitter-sweet journey of “Madness,” we slide into “Something About You,” an upbeat song that nicely contrasts the complexity of the first track. There’s nothing complicated about this tune, and it’s easy to understand – we’ve all had the all-consuming feeling of falling for someone.

Lucius keeps us on our toes though, and throws us back into chaos with the next string of songs full of heartache, confusion and questions. But, nearly halfway through the album, we’re given a sweet little treat with “Almost Makes Me Wish For Rain.”

“Almost Makes Me Wish for Rain” starts off with soft vocals and melodic instrumentals. It quickly transforms into something that would give any 80s pop hit a run for its money. Easily one of the best songs on the album, “Almost Makes Me Wish for Rain” packs quite a punch with a melody that makes you want to move and lyrics that remind you even the best of us have bad days.

A few songs down the road, you’ll find “Born Again Teen,” the catchiest song on the album. While other songs build, knowing just when to fall and rise, “Born Again Teen” is a full force frenzy executed with the best control. The chorus is infections, drums are thumping and lyrics ever so enjoyable. The song comes together and falls apart in your hands, leaving nothing but the urge to dance.

In the end, “Good Grief” leaves us on a slower, somber note. “Dusty Trails” reveals the pangs of life and the confusion that follows. Sometimes we lose our way, feel lonely or lost. Even when others say we’ll be OK, it can be hard to believe we’ll feel anything other than an aching in our souls.

“I’m halfway to misery/Some say when you go halfway there’s still plenty of time to return/Oh am I halfway to heaven/Some may say when you go halfway, you only have halfway to go.”

The lyrics in “Dusty Trails” sink right into our primal instincts to shake even the most level-headed individual. It asks the question we all want the answer to — “Will I be OK?”

There’s not much else to say other than “Good Grief” is one hell of an album. Lucius keeps their hand on the trigger through every minute, building tension to give us sweet release. Each song interacts with each other in a cohesive way, and the timing, melodies and vocals intertwine to create something more significant than just an arrangement of tracks.

You know an album is good when it can expand on a deeper level and make us feel more monumental than we probably are. “Good Grief” does just that. It’s an experience, a winding road, sometimes paved and sometimes not. Those willing to take the journey will find themselves better for it. I know I did.

Essential tracks: “Madness” “Almost Makes Me Wish for Rain” “Born Again Teen”

You can buy and listen to more of Lucius’ music here.

Source:: Good Grief Lucius — What an album

By pcsanchez7505

Multi Grammy nominated world-renowned singer, songwriter, and music producer Kaskade has teamed up with UberEATS to bring an exclusive on-demand experience to fans in Los Angeles. Kaskade is performing a SOLD OUT show in front of over 20,000 people at the LA Convention Center on May 7, but UberEATS has your way in.

Known for sending pizzas to his fans, Kaskade is back at it again, but this time with UberEATS. Local fans who download the UberEATS app today, March 15th, will have the chance to meet the man himself, eat some pizza, and win tickets to May’s SOLD out show.

How To Meet Kaskade + Win Tickets (and Pizza)

• Open the UberEATS app today from 11am­ – 2pm
  ● Enter your delivery address
  ● Select the Instant Delivery option at the top of the app
  ● Add the ‘UberEATS + Kaskade’ menu item to your cart, and place your order (no need to add food or more than one entry)
  ● If connected, Kaskade will deliver pizza and a pair of tickets for the sold out show at LA Convention Center on May 7 to you!

Demand will be high, and availability is limited. If you aren’t connected with Kaskade after your first attempt – keep trying! Every ‘order’ is free, and there’s no limit on the amount of requests you can make.

Kaskade is a world renown DJ who won America’’s Best DJ award twice in the past five years. His 9th album “Automatic “was released by Arkade/Warner Bros.
Earlier this month Kaskade released three remixes and a video of his track “Whatever” featuring KOLAJ from “Automatic.”

Source:: Kaskade and UberEATS team up

By pcsanchez7505

It’s easy enough to feel right at home in the small venue of The Hotel Cafe. The cozy club, tucked away behind an inconspicuous building, felt even more inviting Friday night with singer/songwriter Griffin House, an indie/folk musician from Nashville, Tennessee whose mix of folk, blues and country influences make for a unique sound.

The night began as simply as it could. House made his way from grabbing a drink at the bar to picking up his guitar and casually strolling on stage. After a quick hello to the audience, he dove right into his first song.

House played for a little over an hour, covered a packed setlist full of old songs and newer tunes from his yet-to-be-released album, “So On and So Forth.” The charming musician, with a barely noticeable drawl, spoke with an endearing cadence as he explained his new album title, touring and family life.

The dimly lit club added to a basking ambiance, and it wasn’t hard for House to fill the room with his hearty voice and rolling guitar.

House’s new album is a beautiful addition to the already inspiring collection of work by House. It makes it easy for you to let go of all inhibitions, and it’s even more heartwarming when you find out his new album’s title was inspired by his grandfather.

The singer/songwriter’s latest album is a lovely reminder that good music has a transporting quality. It’s a simple, reflective piece of work that takes the listener on a pleasant journey.

House was able to mirror this journey during his performance last Friday, and everyone in the room seemed to be on a self-reflective and soothing level of consciousness.

New Album:
In “So On and So Forth,” House opens with a questioning song of yesterday. “Yesterday Lies,” a thoughtful and modest song, transports the listener from qualms of the past to embracing the future. He reminds us that sometimes the past can be deceitful, and looking too much into how things used to be distracts you from present and future joy.

“You might get me once but you won’t get the rest of me/I’m looking in front of me/Yesterday lies/I’m looking in front of me.”

The next few tracks muse over love, life and getting past internal fears. House asks himself questions about his actions and the time he’s spent looking for a sense of peace.

In the fifth track, House steps outside of himself to address a recent international tragedy. “Paris Calling (Sweet Sensation)” pays homage to the beauty of Paris. House extends his arm to the city and reminds us that despite tragedies, the city is still full of wonderment and hospitality.

“It’s a healing song,” House noted during his performance at The Hotel Cafe.

Halfway through the album, House slows down even more to reflect on his journey thus far with “Further,” a song that makes you realize no matter how you far you travel, there are still things to learn. He sings, “The further that I go/The more I see/The less I know.”

In “Easy Come Easy Go,” House lets us know that life isn’t always so easy, but perhaps it’s better that way. There are no shortcuts in life, and taking the longer, harder route makes the happy moments worth it.

In his last track, House leaves us with a somber tale about lost love. “Omaha” is a soulful and honest song about heartache. Guitar riffs, an echoing harmonica and House’s soft vocals distill every ounce of pain felt when you long for someone you can’t have.

The 12-track album is never difficult to listen to, and each song washes over you like the calmest waves. “So On And So Forth” paints beautiful pictures of life from love, loss and acceptance.

It’s a journey in itself and lets us know there is no formula to life, but if we keep looking forward and are resilient enough, we can find beauty in every experience.

Click to view slideshow.

“So On And So Forth” debuts March 4 and is available for pre-order on iTunes. To listen to more of Griffin House’s music, visit his website here.

Source:: Griffin House: New album, same charming performance

By pcsanchez7505

2015 was a great year for music, which means there is some serious competition for the 2016 Grammy Awards including great musicians and bands such as The Weeknd, Tame Impala, Miguel, Alabama Shakes and many more.

While there are dozens of categories, I’m mainly interested just a few. To keep this post from being too long, I’ll focus on Best Alternative Album, Best Country Album and Album of the Year.

Best Alternative Album: This year’s nominees for Best Alternative Album include “Sound and Color: by Alabama Shakes, “Vulnicura” by Bjork, “The Waterfall” by My Morning Jacket, “Currents” by Tame Impala and “Star Wars” by Wilco.

For this category I don’t have any definitive winner because two of the nominated albums were at the top of the list for my favorite albums of last year — “Sound and Color” and “Currents.” I love both these albums dearly, and they each have a very unique sound. “Sound and Color” impressed me with its mix of soulful blues and sultry southern rock. Alabama Shakes experimented with their sound, and it worked really well for them

“Currents,” on the other hand, is so smooth and danceable. Every song is catchy and makes you want to move. Tame Impala crafted the perfect alternative/indie album.

The other nominees are certainly good as well, but I’m hoping either Alabama Shakes or Tame Impala walk away with a Grammy.

Best Country Album: I’ll admit I’ve just started to pay attention to country music. The past year has been a great time for discovery in terms of country music finds, and unlike Best Alternative Album, I have a clear winner in mind for Best Country album. The nominees this year are Montevallo by Sam Hunt, Pain Killer by Little Big Town, The Blade by Ashely Monroe, Pageant Material by Kasey Musgraves and Traveller by Chris Stapleton.

“Traveller” is by far my favorite among the nominees because of its mix of classic country and southern rock. Stapleton made an excellent album reminiscent of the story-telling country music of old, and I think he’s definitely in the running for a Grammy this year.

Best Album of the Year: Nominees for Best Album of the Year are “To Pimp a Butterfly” by Kendrick Lamar, “Sound and Color” by Alabama Shakes, “Traveller” by Chris Stapleton, “1989” by Taylor Swift and “Beauty Behind The Madness” by The Weeknd.

Again, this category has some very strong contenders. Swift has won Album of the Year once before, but her competition this year is extremely tough.

“To Pimp a Butterfly” is wildly inventive and topped countless “Top albums of 2015” lists. “Sound and Color” was one of my personal favorites from last year as well as “Traveller” and “Beauty Behind The Madness.”

All in all though, I’m giving my top picks to Lamar or Alabama Shakes because musically speaking, these albums are the most diverse out of the nominees.

The 2016 Grammy Awards kick off Monday night at 8 p.m., and while it’s always fun to see who goes home with a Grammy, the lack of one doesn’t take away from an album or musician’s merit. Still, I hope some of my favorites get the recognition they deserve.

Source:: Grammy Talk: Who will win this year?

By pcsanchez7505

The other week I was asked to cover a “secret show” in Downtown L.A. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but what I found was a diverse collection of relatively unknown and very talented musicians. Even more so, I was introduced to Sofar Sounds, an organization that connects musicians and fans in a very unconventional way making for a unique music experience.

Sofar Sounds was founded in 2010 in London. The idea was simple – bring musicians and fans closer together through an intimate concert experience. Individuals signed up to attend a private concert, but the artists weren’t announced until the day of the show and the venue location was kept secret until the day before.

The small project gained popularity and quickly grew. Now, Sofar Sounds hosts concerts in over 300 cities around the world including Los Angeles.

What’s great about Sofar Sounds is that its venues are always changing. Individuals can sign up to host an event, so locations range from someone’s house to the basement of a warehouse.

Because they run mostly on volunteers, music fans have the unique opportunity to get involved with artists in a way they never have before. Not only can they attend an intimate concert, they can help choose the band, set up the location or even host a show.

Throughout the years many bands have played a Sofar concert including Bastille, X Ambassadors and Yeah Yeah Yeahs’s front woman Karen O.

The organization tries to include a diverse range of artists who are either just starting out or gaining momentum. Most of the acts aren’t big name stars, but rather smaller artists who deserve the spotlight.

This month, Sofar Sounds has set up several concerts around L.A. including shows in Culver City and West Hollywood. I’d highly recommend checking out more than one show because the best part about Sofar Sounds is that each concert brings a different experience.

Tickets for a show are relatively inexpensive, and you can apply for tickets or purchase them online. For more information, visit their website here.

Source:: Sofar Sounds brings new music to L.A.

By pcsanchez7505

I wasn’t sure what I was going to write about this week. Unfortunately, I found my topic, and I have to admit, I feel a bit like Major Tom as I spiral out of control …

David Bowie, the blissfully eternal Starman, passed away Jan. 10 after an 18-month battle with cancer.

“David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 18 month battle with cancer. While many of you will share in this loss, we ask that you respect the family’s privacy during their time of grief,” his representatives confirmed late Sunday night.

Bowie was a driving force not just in the music industry, but for all those moved by true art.

Joseph Campbell once wrote – coincidentally I read these words today – “The goal of life is rapture. Art is the way we experience it.”

Campbell was right. Bowie’s music was rapture; his persona as infinite as the stars. Reading the news of his death sent a shiver through my entire body … words can’t express – the time I spent getting lost in his lyrics, dancing (if only with myself) to his music and singing (quite badly) along to “Moonage Daydream” in my car will forever be cherished.

As a child, I never realized how much I loved David Bowie because the enormity of his career never really fazed me. His songs spoke to me and resonated in a way I couldn’t explain.

When I got a little older and started to pay attention to artists and their music, I realized a lot of the songs I loved hearing as a kid were from Bowie.

With a powerhouse voice, striking eyes and a frame that made you question if it was ever big enough for his stardom, the musician was an enigma of a vivacity that surpassed a tangible existence.

He was a man of many talents. His fluidity in music is unrivaled, and he sank from sound to sound like a snake slithering on the ground. It’s a beautiful thing we were able to experience his genius.

His music was a rarity indeed, and his work speaks for itself. Although it never needed the extra boost or showmanship, Bowie, the ever insistent artist, never settled for anything other than greatness. Androgyny, dramatics and honesty – he spoke to so many individuals and moved bodies and hearts alike.

While news of his death is a formidable piece of information that has left many uneasy, his hits are endless and music eternal.

That’s the thing about true art, and it’s the thing about music. What makes it so beautiful is the sovereign and subjective experience you get from it. Bowie’s music pulled at our emotions, and like the moon shifting tides, made waves effortlessly in the hearts of many.

His music was versatile, and he made it OK to be yourself. He was always himself. He knew how to be, and how to sink into nature. His music gave us peace of mind, and for that I’m thankful.

David Bowie, you were not just mine, but everyone’s. You are the Starman for every soul consumed by your art. Rest easy and safe travels.

Source:: Rest Easy my Beloved Starman …

By pcsanchez7505

You remember that feeling don’t you? Of course you do. It’s a feeling of warmth and happiness – a feeling you had when you were driving down an open road or lying beside the one you loved.

But it’s a distant, tracking feeling with a sense of nostalgia and sentiment, and mixed in are memories of rain, lost emotions and time.

You remember that feeling alright, and it’s what Silver Torches gave us in “Heatherfield,” released Jan. 1.

It’s the perfect album to begin a new year. In the midst of resolutions, looking forward and wanting to do better, you take a moment to slow down and recollect not just on the year that’s passed, but all the moments leading up to now.

In it there’s love, heartache, longing and a sense of belonging. There are drunken nights, old friends, the girl who got away and lessons learned with each passing phase.

All this is wrapped together beautifully in Silver Torches sophomore album. Singer/songwriter Erik Walters transcribes timeless lyrics woven together with melodies reminiscent of home.

Each song is a memory, a moment and a story relatable to all. There’s a bigger picture to be found in the album, and a central theme connects each track to one another.

Walters begins with a clear storyline – “Woman in Rust” paints a picture of the drunken wanderer, aimless and a little lost. He sinks into “Cal,” a somber tune, honest and unsure: “Somehow it’s hard to pick up the dial/It’s so easy to disappear.”

“New Year,” the fourth track on the album is a wonderfully sentimental recollection that stumbles along with the weight of alcohol and missed opportunities.

Then, somewhere in the middle, we’re reminded of familiar faces, the girl who slipped out of reach and old friends we wish we had known better or stayed in touch with.

“Heatherfield” doesn’t stay stuck in the past though. It opens up to the present and hopes for the future, holding onto ideas of what the next day will bring.

Sometimes, though, those ideas don’t come into fruition and failure heavies our hearts. In the painfully honest “I Was King,” Walters highlights the pangs of unfulfilled expectations: “I was a dreamer with a plan for the world … I was ashamed/My head was in flames.”

The last track however, leaves us with a lasting realization. Despite years behind us and the changes we face, no matter how disheveled life makes us, home can still feel like home, and knowing that brings a sense of comfort.

In his final verses to us, Walters sings, “Someday this weight will be lifted/Someday I’ll finally sleep/Someday I’ll make some sense of it all/In this worn out driver’s seat.”

Overall, “Heatherfield” is a beautiful piece of Americana and a staple for any roaming heart or weary soul. It’s a lovely reminder of where good music can take us and how an old sound can seem so new.

Essential tracks: “New Year,” “I Was King” and “State Route 27”

“Heatherfield” is now available for download via Bandcamp, and you can hear more from Silver Torches’ music on Spotify.

Source:: Silver Torches delivers an outstanding piece of Americana

By pcsanchez7505

So it’s just like me to procrastinate. It’s currently Dec. 31 with just a few hours left before New Year’s, and I’m in beautiful Los Angeles, California. As sendoff to 2015, I’d like to talk about my top 10 albums of the year. So, without further ado, let’s get right into it.

10. “Beauty Behind the Madness” by The Weeknd: There are those who love to suffer, those who indulge in drugs and the insanity of life. Then there’s The Weeknd, who takes all of the above to give us a perfect recipe for destruction. With unbalanced lyrics that are painfully honest and musical arrangements perfect for indulging in certain vices, “Beauty Behind the Madness,” released Aug. 28, is an album that regrets nothing and gives no apologies. It’s not an ambitious piece of work, but there’s a certain attraction to the agony and nonjudgmental attitude of it.
Essential Tracks: “The Hills,” “Earned It” and “Can’t Feel My Face”

9. “I Love you, Honeybear” by Father John Misty: In his second album, released Feb. 9, Father John Misty, or Josh Tillman, has a lot to say about love, and behind his rich voice and decadent melodies, he creates a wonderfully ironic concept album that’s both indulging and hard-hearted. It avoids being overly sentimental while still dealing with romance and relationships. The lyrics in this album are wavering and uncertain with just a hint of sarcasm. Father John Misty catches us somewhere between day-dreaming and overbearing inner-monologues, all of which make for a great album.
Essential Tracks: “When You’re Smiling and Astride Me” “I Went to the Store One Day” and “Chateau #4 (in C for Two Virgins)”

8. “Chasing White Light” by The Lonely Wild: The Lonely Wild produces beautiful streams of contradictions in “Chasing White Light,” released Oct. 2. The band chases a white light, not so much a reference to cocaine, but rather a long and distant journey to come to terms with death. It’s an album about the inevitable end, yet, reflects on moments in life to come to a significant acceptance – we live, we love, we die.
Essential Tracks: “Scar,” “Chasing White Light” and “Snow”

7. “Traveller” by Christ Stapleton: While “Traveller” was released May 5 of this year, it feels right at home with the old-time country I’ve grown to love. This album would certainly find friends among the likes of George Jones and Willie Nelson – it even includes a cover of the famed “Tennessee Whiskey.” Although it has a familiar sound, it doesn’t feel outdated. Rather it mixes in a little soul and southern rock to create a refreshing album paying homage to the honky tonk heroes, cowboys and rambling travellers of old.
Essential Tracks: “Whiskey and You,” “Was it 26” and “Tennessee Whiskey”

6. “Inanimate Objects” by Atlas Genius: “Inanimate Objects,” released Aug. 28, is a great progression from the band’s first musical endeavor to a more mature sound. Jeffery’s lyrics are those of experience, and the songs are seasoned with love, heartache and perspective. The album itself is laced with upbeat songs and slower pieces alike, and the band gave its fans moments to connect with.
Essential tracks: “Molecules,” “Refugees” and “Stockholm”

5. “What Went Down” by Foals: What went down for Foals in 2015? Well, the band released a powerhouse album with vigor and vitality. What I love about “What Went Down,” released Aug. 28, is its mix of sounds – from tunes you can dance to, to music that makes you want to mosh, to songs that compel you think. It’s true, this album set many bodies in motion and in between whirlwinds of movement, there are moments of beauty to slow down the time.
Essential Tracks: “Birch Tree,” “Mountain At My Gates” and “Night Swimmers”

4. Sound and Color by Alabama Shakes: Those looking for a soulful and honest album should look no further than Alabama Shakes’ “Sound and Color,” released April 21. With bluesy guitars, amazing rhythms and powerhouse vocals – lead singer Brittany Howard distills every ounce of emotion into her singing – the album sits as one of the more unique collection of works this year. Alabama Shakes’ album manages to sound distinct while still being accessible to the masses. It’s not mainstream, but it’s easy for anyone to enjoy and appreciate.
Essential tracks: “Sound and Color,” “Future People” and “This Feeling”

3. “The Great Pretenders” by Mini Mansions: Mini Mansions, the eccentric desert/LA rock group wowed fans earlier this year with sophomore album “The Great Pretenders,” released March 23. The album, full of colliding sounds and ambitious tunes, melts into your soul with great precision and makes for a standout piece. Mini Mansions’ musical vision paired with amazing collaborations, such as the one with Arctic Monkeys’ front man Alex Turner, gives this album great texture and depth.
Essential tracks: “Any Emotions,” “Vertigo” and “Mirror Mountain”

2. “Currents” by Tame Impala: Just like its title, this album pulls you in like shifting tides and currents. With its great blend of psychedelic sound and honest lyrics, Tame Impala’s “Currents,” released July 17, is a beautiful piece of art with elements that come together in magical ways. Listening to it feels like an all-encompassing experience. All this is accomplished with ease, and every song feels in its place.
Essential tracks: “The Lesser I Know the Better,” “Cause I’m A Man” and “Yes, I’m Changing”

1. “Dark Bird is Home” by The Tallest Man on Earth: Kristian Matsson, better known by his stage name, The Tallest Man on Earth is not an artist for everyone. His strung-out voice is reminiscent of Bob Dylan, his lyrics are a bit ambiguous at times, and let’s face it, folk music isn’t the most popular genre around. But, even those facts can’t deter from the genius that is “Dark Bird is Home,” released May 12. Breaking the three-year silence from his last studio album, Matsson gave fans a piece of work that expands the horizon of his open note guitar playing and solitary vocals. The songs in his latest album include various instrumentals and collaborations with other singers to bring a fuller sound and richer arrangement. His lyrics, always poignant even when they’re vague, give the weary and wanderlust a voice, and he provides a sense of home to the endless traveler. Pairs of opposites are where Matsson hits his strong point in “Dark Bird is Home,” and all these elements come together seamlessly to make you feel like everything will be alright, which is why it’s my favorite of the year.
Essential Tracks: “Sagres,” “Slow Dance” and “Singers”

And, as if this list weren’t enough, here’s all the essential tracks on one, weird playlist.

Source:: My Incredibly Subjective “Top 10 of 2015”

By pcsanchez7505

You don’t have to look too far to find great music in the Inland Empire – you just have to know where to look.

Hidden away from the freeways and noise of big cities is Hemet, California where an unassuming band, Hello Penelope, lurks.

This punk-dance and self-managed band is made up of Hemet and I.E. natives who live and breathe music.

Lead singer and guitarist Christian Philippi is the manager of a local music shop in Hemet and fronts the band with gusto and enthusiasm. Other members include Manny Valdez (Guitar), Nic Ledbetter (Bass), Marco Gutierrez (Organ/Keys) and Nathan Kirwan (Drums) – all who participate avidly in the San Jacinto Valley music scene.

The band’s music orchestrates waves of movement in fans that range from jumping mosh chaos to groovy dance steps.

Their music is fun, energetic and raw, and the band caters to all those stuck in the humdrum of everyday life.

With fun lyrics, sporadic guitar riffs and bass lines and thumping drum beats, the band is no stranger to getting the party started. They frequent Alaythia Music shop’s Super Saturday Music Shows, held every first Saturday of the month.

Reminiscent of beach-punk band The Growlers, whose music is unhinged and chaotic in a fantastic way, Hello Penelope cultivates a home-town feel and brings a little bit of spark to the valley/I.E.. They are slowly, but surely, making strides in the growing music community of Southern California.

Songs to check out include “Winona Ryder” an ode to the complexity of emotions, and “King Crush,” a song that gives a shout out to all the “west coast girls and west coast boys.”

While their released music is limited, you can find their tracks on their Bandcamp site. Anyone interested in the band can also check out their Facebook page.

Source:: Dance-Punk back in style with Hello Penelope